West Haven council unanimously approves charter amendment to align city budget timeline with state

The West Haven City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution amending parts of Chapter 19 of the city charter to shift municipal budget deadlines to better align with the state's budget calendar.

Mayor Dorinda Borer said the change responds to past years when the state budget was delayed and municipalities had to guess state aid levels. "We have to align with the state of Connecticut's budget process and adoption schedule," she said, adding that the change gives the mayor and administration "additional time to prepare and submit a budget" that more accurately reflects late-arriving state figures.

Finance Director Michael Gormeny outlined the concrete timing adjustments proposed: moving the mayor's submission from the third Thursday in March to the third Thursday in April, shifting the council's public hearing and adoption later (public hearings from early April to early May and council adoption from early May to the second Thursday in June under the proposal) and aligning WPCA dates similarly. Gormeny told the council the change is allowable under Connecticut General Statute §7-191b and is intended to reduce fiscal guesswork, particularly because about 38% of West Haven's revenue comes from the state.

Chairman Christopher Vargo called a roll-call vote; the clerk recorded all 'Yes' votes and the chair declared the motion passed. Council members who spoke during discussion said the additional calendar time would allow more deliberation and avoid last-minute budget “fire-drill” sessions.

The resolution directs that the charter text be amended and posted online; staff said an updated redline had already been prepared and would be posted upon passage.

Because the change amends the charter, the council's resolution cites Connecticut General Statute section 7-191b as the enabling authority.